
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day – Cedarhurst stays open late until 8 pm every Thursday. The museum converts the back patio and lawn into a third space, giving the community members a place to gather, network, and enjoy the beautiful southern Illinois summer and scenery. Thursday Night Live is a no-pressure way to engage first time visitors of “non-art folks” to gain appreciation for the arts and learn about the many different programs that we offer year round.
FREE ADMISSION | BRING LAWN CHAIRS/BLANKETS | NO COOLERS
🎵 Live Music – Entertainment is a staple of Thursday Night Live, as local and regional musicians are hired to perform each week on the back patio from 5-8 pm.
🎨 Art Programs & Activities – Museum staff help the committee design and facilitate special art experiences and activities from week to week to encourage visitors to become more involved with the arts i.e. – artist demonstrations, DIY craft nights, art chats, games, pottery firings, community art projects, and more.
🍷 Beer & Wine Cash Bar – The museum welcomes annual sponsors to serve as volunteer bartenders and network with attendees.
🍕 Food Concessions – Cedarhurst schedules local food vendors to set up and sell concessions each week, creating community partnerships that help local businesses and enhance the TNL atmosphere.


May 29
- Music by:
Hoot -N- Holler Band
Back Patio | 5 to 8 pm - Complimentary Snacks while supply lasts
- Jefferson County
Chamber of Commerce “Business After Hours” - Cash Bar
June 5
- Music by:
Jimmy DeTalante
Back Patio | 5 to 8 pm - Food Concessions:
El Rancherito Food Truck | 5 pm to sold out - Giveaways for new & current members!
- Cash Bar – drink special: Membership Margaritas!
June 12
- Music by:
JIVE – Back Patio | 5 to 8 pm - Food Concessions:
JJ’s Bar & Grill | 5 pm to sold out - Art Chat – 6:15 Shrode Competition Exhibit
Shrode Art Center Gallery - Cash Bar
June 19
- Music by:
City of Soul Band
Back Patio | 5 to 8 pm - Food Concessions:
Kingdom Catering | 5 pm to sold out - Commemorating JUNETEENTH
Learn – Create – Celebrate! - Cash Bar
June 26
- Music by:
Edwin Linson
Back Patio | 5 to 8 pm - Food Concessions:
Chef Adam’s Food is Life
5 pm to sold out - DIY Art Night:
Seashell Decoupage - Cash Bar
TNL 2024
July 3
- Music by:
Smoke Rings Band
Back Patio | 5 to 8 pm - Food Concessions:
Guru’s – Pizza-Subs-Salads | 5 pm to sold out - Hooray for the Red, White and Blue!
July 4th eve celebration - Cash Bar – drink special: Long Island Liber-Tea!
July 10
- Music by:
Shannon Arview Back Patio | 5 to 8 - Food Concessions:
Ringside Buffet | 5 pm to sold out - Art Chat with Rusty Freeman on the Biennial Exhibit
- Cash Bar
July 17
- Music by:
Cody Galloway
Back Patio | 5 to 8 pm - Food Concessions:
Frosty Mug | 5 pm to sold out - SAC Art Clubs Demo Night!
- Cash Bar
July 24
Christmas in July
- Music by: Ian Presswood
Back Patio | 5 to 8 pm - Food Concessions:
Kingdom Catering | 5 pm to sold out - Santa will be here! – (thanks to our friends at GreenTree Mt. Vernon) to share our plans for The Lights 2025!
- Cash Bar
July 31
- Music by:
The Clyde Band
Back Patio | 5 to 8 pm - Food Concessions:
Elk’s Lodge #819 | 5 pm to sold out - Giveaways for new & current members!
- Cash Bar
TNL 2024
August 7
- Music by:
Travis Trone
Back Patio | 5 to 8 pm - Food Concessions:
Mt. Vernon Sportsmans Club | 5 pm to sold out - DIY Art Night – Colorful Coasters
- Cash Bar
August 14
- Music by:
Soopa Squad
Back Patio | 5 to 8 pm - Food Concessions:
Chef Adam’s Food is Life 5 pm to sold out - Art Chat with Rusty Freeman on the Biennial Exhibit
- Cash Bar
August 21
- Music by: Biscuits & Gravy Acoustic
Back Patio | 5 to 8 pm - Food Concessions:
Ringside Buffet | 5 pm to sold out - Cedarhurst Members NEW! “Young Crafters Fair”
- Cash Bar
August 28
Summer Finale!
- Music by: Just For Spite
Back Patio | 5 to 8 pm - Food Concessions:
Joe’s Pizza | 5 pm to sold out - DIY Art Night: Bookmarks
- Cash Bar – drink special: Summer’s Last Dance Sangria!


